SSP 019: Steve Clemens – Finding Connection Through Disconnection, Life Lessons Learnt Through Self-Sustained Living State Shifters

“When you stop existing, and you start truly living, each moment of the day comes alive with wonder and synchronicity.” - Steve Maraboli
I have to say, the quote above resonates with me and exemplifies the coincidence that resulted in the guest that I welcome to session 19 of the State Shifters Podcast.
A couple of long stories short, my girlfriend Amanda books a weekend away 4 hours north of Toronto in a town called Nippising. The night before our departure we booked one the last accommodations left on Airbnb for the weekend, the title was, “OFF-GRID, TINY HOUSE, BY WATERFALL” below are some images of the cabin we stayed in.
Since I left my corporate job and started living a life true to my heart and saying yes to the things that felt good I’m amazed at the people that have appeared in my life. Called them coincidence, synchronicity, or chance encounters but there was no denying the beauty of this one.
Steve inspired me through his ability to take purposeful action in the direction his heart wanted him to go. He has successfully made the transition from dependent city living to self-contained “off grid” living, and self-sufficiency. Steve lives in a cabin he built himself and sustains his livelihood with a minimum carbon footprint. I was amazed at how well thought out his style of living was, which made me think about how dependent on technology I was for my survival.
Insert from “the Good Life” by Helen and Scott Nearing’s, a book that Steve gifted me and one that helped Steve take his “leap of faith”: “ideas of “making money” or “getting rich” have given people prevented view of economic principles. The object of economic effort is not money, but livelihood. Money cannot feed, clothe, or shelter. Money is a medium of exchange, - a means of securing the items that makeup livelihood.”
After meeting Steve I now genuinely realize we all need a lot less than we think to secure the items that make up our livelihood.
This podcast is an insight into a man, who is living by Mahatma Gandhi's famous quote “be the change he wants to see in the world.”
I hope Steve’s story inspires you as much as it did me. 
 
LINK TO STEVE's AIRBNB: https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/25991214?bev_ref=&eal_exp=1536983189&eal_sig=289b811067d37547c7090714a8cdb135cc53a96df648eab9c87475b6ec0624b2&eal_uid=48418474&euid=beb9dce2-d875-c4e4-91f2-87143fe822e6&photo=&s=&user_id=
 
In this episode we discuss:
 -    Steve’s sudden awakening after the birth of his son
-    The realizations Steve had after going off grid and moving away from civilization
-    Using passions and hobbies as fuel
-    The importance of developing discipline
-    The dangers of our dependency on the “system.”
-    Why thinking about our carbon footprint is vital to our survival and independence
-    Why working an unfulfilling job makes us feel disconnected
-    How to find more connection with nature while living in an urban environment
-    Steve’s Airbnb synchronicities
-    The power of social media and sharing information to attract like-minded people
-    How to stay in the flow
-    The importance of spending time alone and the difference between being “alone” and “lonely.”
-    How to find and tap into your uniqueness
-    Steve’s journaling process and the keys to effective journaling
-    Why taking action is the first step in finding purpose
-    Why building habits are the key to excellence and distinguishing the good from the bad
-    Private victory vs public victory and the power of selfless service
-    How to deposit into your emoti